FateVRAINS - Laplace

by TheStrangerThatCameFromNowhere

Six months have passed since the creation of the New World. Life has begun to return to normal for the Zaizen siblings, but it is not long before they once again find themselves in the center of a new conflict, this time against the Knights of Hanoi. They are not alone, however. Another battles the Knights of Hanoi. An emissary of vengeance called Playmaker. [Sequel]

2. TURN-02

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Fate/Extra or Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINS. Both are properties of Nasu and Konami respectively. I own none of the characters or events that take place in the story, save for original events and original characters.

---

Previously, on Fate/VRAINS – Laplace!

"It's a Circuit Match hosted by SOL Technologies."

"The Knights of Hanoi have been targeting anyone who managed to acquire Cyberse cards."

"Ride through the wind and blaze a path forward!"

"Does that monster look like Code Talker?"

"They're here."

"We are the Knights of Hanoi!"

---

Fate/VRAINS – Laplace

---

TURN-02: The Fateful Encounter

"Aaaah,what a beautiful day…"

In the vast sea of digital information, a bizarre being was floating and drifting among the ocean waves. For the first time in a long while, it was finally able to relax and enjoy its new surroundings in peace. At first, it was shocked by the overwhelming change that had occurred, more so when it discovered that Cyberse data was continuously being created at a ridiculously fast pace. Once the shock faded, it wandered this brand-new jungle of opportunities and explored its mysteries to its heart's content. So long as it wasn't being hunted, anyway.

How long had it been since it managed to enjoy some time for itself, anyway?

"No Hanoi hunting me, no corrupted data weirdos trying to eat me…" the honest-to-god eyeball sighed in bliss. "This is the life."

It closed its eyelid and basked in the replicate sunlight…only to immediately start spluttering and spinning around in place when a duelist rode past him on their D-Board, currently being chased by a group of people on their own D-Boards while one road atop a Duel Monster.

"Hey!" the eyeball roared. "I'm data-bathing here! Watch where you're going, you lousy stinking-hurk!" The eyeball stared in horror, recognizing the monster. "C-Cracking Dragon?! Yipes!"

It dived into the sea of data and quickly fled the area before his pursuers noticed him.

Ironically, its pursuers – the Knights of Hanoi – didn't notice the fleeing Ignis at all. If they did, they would have changed their target immediately. Instead, their focus was their target. Lapis was speeding through the digital ocean as fast as she could whilst avoiding the energy blasts shot from the mouth of their monster.

"Crap crap crap crap crap!" Lapis cursed and grew frustrated by her inability to throw them off. No matter how fast she went, they kept up with her and were even starting to close in. In no time, they would soon catch her. Or maybe blow her to high heaven, whichever came first. She looked over her shoulder and panicked, quickly swerving to the right and evading another energy blast from the dragon. The discharge exploded like a cannonball, spewing water into the air. "Will you guys give it a rest already?! I thought you people were supposed to be the good guys!"

She still remembered the time when Baira had helped her, and the story Hakuno told her when she fought Kiara Sessyoin by herself. To say she owed a debt to Baira and her boss, Revolver, would be an understatement. Those sentiments soon started to change when she heard the stories about how the Knights of Hanoi were going after people using the Cyberse archetype, or any card made from Cyberse data. She didn't want to believe that the stories were true or maybe it was just some group using the name. But the longer the stories came and the more details were learned, the reality was undeniable.

Part of her wanted to know why Baira was working with these people. Another wanted to give her a piece of her mind.

Right now, she had to focus on survival and escape these guys.

"Hold still!" the Hanoi chasing her demanded. "Either you give up willingly, or we destroy it! Make your choice, Lapis!"

"Here's my response: Back off!" Lapis snapped as she evaded another blast from the dragon. She quickly slid a card into her Duel Disk, which flared to life with a blue glow. "Sky Surfer!" Blue pixels flowed from her wrist as a familiar silver-armored monster emerged, swinging his bladed board at the incoming energy blast. On her own, she wouldn't be able to escape them so she decided to take a page from their book and hitch a ride on one of her partners. She jumped off of her D-Board and landed in the arm of her monster, who proceeded to speed away when its master landed on its person.

The Hanoi quickly gave chase, redoubling their efforts. "Dammit!" one of the three gathered Knights of Hanoi cursed. "She's going to get away!"

"No, she will not." the Hanoi wearing the coat told him. He raised a hand and stretched out his fingers. A light formed in the middle of his palm, extending out and becoming a rifle. "Had she remained on her board, she might have escaped. I always seem to have trouble hitting a smaller target."

The man pulled the trigger.

*BANG!*

Lapis screamed as she found herself flying through the air and flailing. The bullet her pursuer fired had pierced Sky Surfer's skull and dispersed into fragments. Her body hit the digital ocean a moment later. Her senses flipped and her vision turned to static. Her mind nearly turned to mush before she managed to regain her senses.

She pushed through the water and broke through the surface, coughing up water. A shadow fell over her, angry green eyes glaring down at her. In turn, she glared back.

"Now, let's try this again, shall we?" the man smiled wryly. "You have one of two choices, Lapis. Either allow us to destroy your avatar, or hand your deck to us willingly."

"Over my dead body!" Lapis growled, her hand going to her Duel Disk.

"Come now, see reason, young lady. What is a handful of cards compared to one's career? Surely, you must know by now that anyone whose avatar is destroyed by this monster is deleted permanently. Not even SOL Technologies will be able to restore it. One last chance, my dear."

His response was Lapis flipping him the bird. He sighed and shook his head. "No need for vulgarity, young lady. But, if you insist…"

He raised his hand. Cracking Dragon opened its maw, energy filling inside its mouth. Lapis glared in defiance.

Just when the blast that would end her career was about to be sent hurling, its head was promptly severed from its body.

"W-what?!"

An explosion destroyed Cracking Dragon and sent its rider hurling away. The man regained his balance and called on his D-Board, landing on it instead of smashing into the water. Likewise, his two subordinates did the same. Lapis stared in shock at the culprit behind the dragon's destruction; a Duel Monster similar to her Sky Surfer, except its armor was deep purple and a black body lined in a violet grid, glowing broadsword in hand.

"What in the-whoa!"

Lapis yelped when she found herself yanked from the water and up on her feet. It took her a moment to realize someone had pulled her from the water and onto their D-Board, an arm around her waist to keep her from falling in. She looked at her apparent savior; a young man with multi-colored hair wearing a black-and-green bodysuit with yellow lines, eyes deep green.

"You okay?"

Lapis nodded dumbly. "Uh…yeah, t-thanks."

The man nodded and let go. She jumped off and called her D-Board back to her, now riding side by side with him. Behind them, the Knights of Hanoi gave chase.

"Hey!" one of them yelled. "Who the hell are you?"

The man turned to face them, eyes ice cold. "My name is Playmaker!" he announced. "Knights of Hanoi, you are my enemy!"

The commander of the Hanoi's forces narrowed his eyes. "Playmaker…?" he mumbled, the name sounding familiar to him before he glanced at the monster by his side. "That monster… Hoh, I see now. I have been hearing that someone has been hunting us relentlessly these past couple of weeks. Specifically, a talented duelist who also uses Cyberse. I assume that is you?"

"Why don't you come over here and find out?" Playmaker challenged, his Duel Disk raised.

One of the masked grunts growled angrily and was about to charge in, but was stopped by an arm barring his way. "S-sir!"

"Now, now, no need to get angry." He chastised his subordinate. "Don't get too carried away. We have a mission."

He glanced to his other subordinate and gave her a nod. The sole female of the group nodded and broke away from them, her sights on Lapis. Playmaker saw this and moved to intervene, his monster already readying itself to cut her down. Both were forced to back off when the man opened fire with his rifle, keeping them at bay while the female Knight of Hanoi chased after Lapis, who scowled at their tenacity and doubled her efforts to escape.

Playmaker gritted his teeth and turned his attention to the commander. He smiled apologetically upon seeing the furious look on Playmaker's face. "I am terribly sorry, but my orders are to destroy Lapis' Cyberse deck. I won't allow you to interfere with that." He dismissed the gun in his hands and proceeded to bow. "Allow me to introduce myself formally. I am known as Alkaid. And I hereby accept your challenge, young man. However, I do find it unfair that we should duel two-on-one."

"Mind if I join in, then?"

Alkaid looked up and smiled wryly.

At long last, his most formidable adversary appeared.

---

To Lapis' dismay, the Knight of Hanoi had managed to catch up with her and overtook her lead. The robed woman was all the way in front of her, her Duel Disk raised. She no doubt intended to summon her Cracking Dragon if Lapis continued to resist her.

"Give up now, Lapis!" the woman said. "Hand over your deck, and I'll spare you!"

The blue-haired girl rolled her eyes. "My god, you people are like a broken record! I already told you, I am not giving up my deck! They aren't just some material possessions I'm possessive of or afraid to lose! Every last one of these cards is my partner! They are part of me! And believe me, lady, it'll be a cold day in hell before I ever give them up!"

"Naïve," the woman scoffed. "The only thing the Cyberse promises those who use it is destruction. If you won't give it up willingly, then so be it." Her Duel Disk flared. Lapis braced herself as the faint image of that dreadful dragon began to emerge. "I will just have to-"

"Don't think so!"

A bolt of red struck the Knight of Hanoi's Duel Disk, nearly throwing the woman off her D-Board. Lapis' eyes widened in surprise and looked to her left, finding a woman wearing a red turtleneck sweater with black leggings and thigh-high boots riding beside her. In contrast to her appearance at school, her hair was black rather than blonde.

"Tohsaka-san?!"

Rin smiled and waved at Aoi Zaizen. "Hey, sorry we took so long. Traffic was murder."

"Is now really the time for jokes?! How'd you even know where to find me, anyhow?"

"Your sister, duh. Don't underestimate my intelligence, Zaizen."

"You…" The girls' attention turned to the Knight of Hanoi. Her Duel Disk was covered in red sparks as if it were malfunctioning. The sense of dread Lapis felt previous had vanished as the image of Cracking Dragon faded almost entirely. "What did you to my Duel Disk?!"

Rin flipped her hair as she scoffed, her smile positively irritating. "I simply locked down its function to summon Duel Monsters outside of Duel Format, of course. And unfortunately for you, that beauty of a program was designed to only unlock itself if I told it to. And guess what?" She raised her Duel Disk, terminal colored ruby red with a diamond-shaped centerpiece that let out a soft glow before a hard-light board formed along her arm. "The only way it's getting removed is if you beat us in a Duel!"

"Tch!" The female Knight of Hanoi cursed her luck. This was supposed to have been an easy mission. They had not anticipated the interference of an outsider, much less someone with hacking skills like this. Even so, she considered this a minor setback. "Very well, then… I'll crush you both!"

Rin looked to Aoi. "You ready for this, Zaizen?"

"Only if you follow my lead!" Lapis smirked, her Duel Disk whirring to life. "Let's do this!"

"DUEL!"

Lapis & Rin – LP 4000
Knight of Hanoi – LP 8000

[HACKING DUEL FIELD.] a synthesized voice emanated from the Knight of Hanoi's Duel Disk.

When the outline of the duel arena formed in front of them, it glitched out for a moment and was altered slightly, showing five zones instead of three as the girls were expecting.

"You may have prevented me from summoning my monster, but even you can't stop me from changing the flow of this Duel!" the Knight of Hanoi declared. "From here on, this will be a Master Speed Duel! I take the first turn! I activate the Continuous Spell, Hacking Virus! When I Special Summon a DARK Machine Monster from my hand or Graveyard, I draw a card! When my opponent has no monsters, I can Special Summon Hack Worm from my hand!"

Appearing in front of the robed woman was a steel-plated worm with a glowing blue maw that let out a wry birth cry upon emergence.

[Hack Worm / DARK / Level 1 / Machine / Effect / ATK 400 / DEF 0]

"Thanks to Hacking Virus, I draw a card! I summon a second Hack Worm!" Another steel worm appeared in front of her. "I draw another card! Now, appear! Our future circuit!"

At the woman's call, the circuit appeared in the air. Rin narrowed her eyes. "A Link Summon already?"

"I set my Hack Worms into the Link Markers! Link Summon!" The worms became bodies of light that were absorbed into the circuit. Moments later, a new monster emerged from the circuit and descended to the Knight of Hanoi's side. It was a metal serpentine dragon, its wings smaller than its body. On its back were three spikes floating above its spine, eyes burning dark green. "Link 2! Hack Wyrm!"

[Hack Wyrm / DARK / LA: Top, Bottom / Machine / Link / Effect / ATK 0 / LINK-2]

"Hack Wyrm's effect! When Link Summoned, I can Special Summon up to two Machine Monsters from my Graveyard to Main Monster Zones next to its Link Markers! I summon Hack Worm to both fields!"

Lapis blinked. "Wait, both of our fields?" she echoed as a worm appeared on hers and Rin's side of the field. "Why would you give us your monster?"

"Simple, this! I activate the Continuous Spell, Hacking Backfire! I target a face-up Machine Monster my opponent controls, and so long as that monster is on my opponent's field, you can't summon from your Extra Deck! Furthermore, that monster cannot be used as Material, tributed or destroyed by card effects during your Main Phase!"

Rin cursed. "So she's already locking us down? Well, she certainly works fast."

"I'm not finished yet! I activate the Spell, Steelswarm Attraction!"

"Steelswarm?" Rin repeated as a wry smile made its way onto her face. "Well, that's just ironic…"

"I Special Summon up to two Level 4 or lower Steelswarm monsters from my deck in Defense Position! However, they will be banished during my End Phase! I summon Steelswarm Caller and Steelswarm Gatekeeper!"

Two creatures emerged on either side of Hack Worm, both possessing metallic skin. One had a humanoid shape with insectoid wings while the other resembled a tortoise with a body encased in dark gray steel.

[Steelswarm Caller / DARK / Level 4 / Fiend / Effect / ATK 1700 / DEF 0]
[Steelswarm Gatekeeper / DARK / Level 4 / Fiend / Effect / ATK 1500 / DEF 1900]

"I release Steelswarm Caller and summon Steelswarm Moth!"

Caller's body spasmed and twitched, lowering into a crouch. The metallic skin on its back cracked open and its body fell apart. Rising out from its decaying shell was a humanoid being with green skin clad in metal armor, head insectoid and its cape vaguely resembling wings.

[Steelswarm Moth / DARK / Level 6 / Fiend / Effect / ATK 2400 / DEF 0]

"Since Steelswarm Caller was used to Tribute Summon a Steelswarm monster face-up, I Special Summon another Level 4 or lower Steelswarm monster from my deck! I summon Steelswarm Sentinel!"

Lapis felt her skin crawl when she saw this new monster, its form chubby and small in the form of a beetle. What creeped her out were its large red eyes that glared at her emotionlessly like a lifeless doll in a horror movie.

[Steelswarm Sentinel / DARK / Level 3 / Fiend / Effect / ATK 1100 / DEF 0]

"Since a Steelswarm monster was Tribute Summoned face-up while Steelswarm Gatekeeper was on the field, I can perform another Normal Summon." The Knight of Hanoi stated before raised her hand forward. "I release Steelswarm Sentinel, Moth and Gatekeeper to summon Steelswarm Hercules!"

The monsters' bodies broke down into bits, reforming into a much larger shape. Before the two girls stood a towering behemoth with ivory skin and gold metal, its form telling them it was made for combat. Its red eyes glared down at them with rage while its four arms were spread out, claws curled into huge fists that promised untold pain.

[Steelswarm Hercules / DARK / Level 10 / Fiend / Effect / ATK 3200 / DEF 0]

"A heavy hitter like that this early?" Lapis grimaced. "She's not pulling any punches, is she?"

"It's worse than that," Rin told her. "That thing can let her destroy every card on the field besides Hercules itself at the cost of half her Life Points. Trust me when I say we need to get rid of that thing quick."

The Knight of Hanoi scoffed. "If only it were so easy. I activate the Quick-Play Spell, Steelswarm Locust Storm! I Special Summon Steelswarm monsters from my Graveyard, equal to the number of DARK monsters on my field! I control Hack Wyrm, Hack Worm and Steelswarm Hercules! I summon Steelswarm Sentinel and Gatekeeper! As I now control three DARK monsters besides Hack Wyrm, I can Special Summon Cracking Dragon with its effects negated, thanks to Hack Wyrm's effect!"

The air trembled as the steel dragon appeared before them with a resounding cry that shook the air.

[Cracking Dragon / DARK / Level 8 / Machine / Effect / ATK 3000 / DEF 0]

"It's that monster from before!" Lapis gritted her teeth.

The Knight of Hanoi smirked. "Indeed it is… However, Cracking Dragon is but a mere fragment of our true power. Ever since VRAINS was reborn and the duelists who inhabit this world grew stronger, we had to adapt. And thus, we created an even greater power. Allow me to demonstrate! Appear again, our future circuit!" Once more, the circuit manifested above her. "Arrowheads confirmed! The summoning condition is two or more DARK monsters, including Cracking Dragon! I set Cracking Dragon, Hack Worm, Steelswarm Gatekeeper and the Link 2 Hack Wyrm into the Link Markers! Circuit Combine!"

The four monsters all lost their forms and shot upwards, lighting up the cursors they fell into. Moments later, the air became charged with power as a new more frightening creature emerged. In contrast to Hack Wyrm and its serpentine form or Cracking Dragon and its humongous size, this one was like a titan. Steel plates covered every inch of its body, two sets of wings stretching out from behind its back. Various green orbs dotted its body, mainly on the underside of its belly, shoulders and forehead. Four malicious green eyes opened along with its mouth before releasing an ear-shattering roar that sent out shockwaves across the digital ocean's surface.

"Link Summon! The supreme beast who wipes away all foolish enough to stand before it! Link 4! Cracking Dragonis Lord!"

[Cracking Dragonis Lord / DARK / Top, Left, Right, Bottom / Cyberse / Link / Effect / ATK 3000 / LINK-4]

Lapis gulped. "That's…one big dragon."

"When Cracking Dragonis Lord is Link Summoned, I draw cards equal to the number of Materials used to Link Summon it. I used four monsters, therefore I draw four cards. I set a card face-down and end my turn." The Knight of Hanoi slapped a card onto the field and relented.

Rin smiled confidently. "In that case, I'll be taking the next move! Draw! I'll start off by activating the Quick-Play Spell, Gem Spectrum! I Special Summon Level 4 or lower Gem-Knight monsters with different names from my deck, equal to the number of monsters my opponent controls! I summon Gem-Knight Lazuli, Garnet, and Alexandrite!"

A trio of monsters appeared, their bodies made of dazzling rock. One was feminine with light-brown armor while the other were broader and more masculine, one garbed in crimson armor and the other dressed in dazzling white armor.

[Gem-Knight Lazuli / EARTH / Level 1 / Rock / Effect / ATK 600 / DEF 100]
[Gem-Knight Garnet / EARTH / Level 4 / Pyro / Normal / ATK 1900 / DEF 0]
[Gem-Knight Alexandrite / EARTH / Level 4 / Rock / Effect / ATK 1800 / DEF 1200]

"Next, I release Gem-Knight Garnet and summon Gem-Knight Ruby Apprentice!"

The red-armored warrior bowed its head as its form vanished. In its place stood a smaller figure wearing ruby-red armor with robes shrouding their form, a hood pulled over their head. In one hand was a scepter and in the other was a lance.

[Gem-Knight Ruby Apprentice / FIRE / Level 6 / Spellcaster / Effect / ATK 2100 / DEF 1200]

The Knight of Hanoi clicked her tongue. "Steelswarm Sentinel can negate the effects of Special Summoned monsters so long as they're Level 5 and higher. Tribute and Advance Summoning, on the other hand…"

"When Ruby Apprentice is Tribute Summoned, it can't be affected by my opponent's card effects!" Rin stated. "I activate Ruby Apprentice's effect! Once per turn, I tribute a Gem-Knight I control and target a face-up card on your field! Until my End Phase, that card's effects are negated! I tribute Gem-Knight Lazuli and seal Steelswarm Sentinel's effects! Red Vocation!"

The robed monster waved its scepter and aimed it at the smaller metal bug. Lazuli's body turned into a ball of energy that smashed straight into it, knocking the bug right on its back where it then began to comically squirm and attempt to get back up on its feet.

"What are you doing?!" Lapis hissed. "We could have at least locked down her Hacking Backfire!"

"Relax, Zaizen. I know what I'm doing." Rin assured her teammate. While it definitely would have opened up a lot of options for them, she didn't see being able to bust out something really powerful. Not so long as her opponent had Steelswarm Sentinel out. "Anyway, when Lazuli is sent to the Graveyard by an effect, I can return a Normal Gem-Knight monster from my Graveyard to my hand. I add Gem-Knight Garnet. Then I activate Alexandrite's effect! By tributing him, I can Special Summon a Normal Gem-Knight monster from my deck to the field! I summon Gem-Knight Sapphire!"

The monster bowed its head and vanished, allowing one of its comrades to take its place. A slimmer armored knight stood, gemstones dazzling alongside the sparkling fluid flowing from its fingertips.

[Gem-Knight Sapphire / EARTH / Level 4 / Aqua / Normal / ATK 0 / DEF 2400]

"Then I activate Ruby Apprentice's second effect! Once per turn, I Special Summon a Normal Gem-Knight monster from my hand to the field! Welcome back, Garnet!" In a flourish of flame, the red-armored warrior returned to Rin's side. The girl smirked. "Now for the main event! I release Gem-Knight Ruby Apprentice, Garnet and Sapphire and Special Summon Gem-Knight Ruby Lord!"

Rather than fade or shatter apart, the three monsters were engulfed in a red pillar of light. When it faded, a heavy-armored warrior stood ready to combat the Knight of Hanoi. A dark cape flowed behind its back, its visor a narrow slit running across the helm while red eyes peered out from underneath. In one hand was a tower shield while in another was a double-edged ax.

[Gem-Knight Ruby Lord / FIRE / Level 7 / Warrior / Effect / ATK 2400 / DEF 2000]

"Ruby Lord can only be Special Summoned by tributing three Gem-Knight monsters with different names! Also, it gains 500 ATK for every Gem-Knight monster in my Graveyard! I have Gem-Knight Alexandrite and Lazuli in my Graveyard, thus Ruby Lord gains 1000 ATK! Also, while Ruby Lord is face-up and I don't have a monster in the Extra Monster Zone, all monsters on my field gain an extra 1000 ATK and DEF!"

A purple aura began to seep from the red monster's body and managed to intimidate a few of the Knight of Hanoi's own monsters in the process.

[Gem-Knight Ruby Lord: ATK 2400 → 4400 / DEF 2000 → 3000]

Lapis stared in awe. "4400 ATK? That's higher than either of her monsters!"

"I activate Ruby Lord's effect!" Rin continued. "Once per turn, I Special Summon a Gem-Knight Effect Monster in Defense Position from my deck! I summon Gem-Knight Obsidian and set two cards face-down!"

Appearing at the Ruby Lord's side was a knight clad in jet-black armor, a circle of beads surrounding its form.

[Gem-Knight Obsidian / EARTH / Level 3 / Rock / Effect / ATK 1500 → 2500 / DEF 1200 → 2200]

"And now, Battle!" Rin declared. "Gem-Knight Ruby Lord! Destroy Cracking Dragonis Lord!"

Rin's monster swung its ax and leaped into action, its target dead ahead. The metal dragon roared in defiance as energy began to build inside its mouth, ready to meet the charge.

"I activate the Counter Trap, Zero Action and Cracking Dragonis Lord's effect!" the Knight of Hanoi interfered. "All battle damage inflicted during this turn is reduced to zero and all monsters cannot be destroyed by battle once each! When my opponent attacks Cracking Dragonis Lord with a Level 7 or higher monster or a Link Monster with a Link Rating of 4 or higher, I can reduce that monster's ATK by 300 for every DARK monster in my Graveyard!"

Rin gasped. "What?!"

"There are six monsters in my Graveyard! Gem-Knight Ruby Lord loses 1800 ATK! Furthermore, you take damage equal to the amount of ATK lost! Go, Cracking Dragonis Lord! Cracking Air Burst!"

The metal dragon released its built-up charge from its maw. The blast exploded in Ruby Lord's face, sending it flying back to Rin's side slightly scathed and covered in scratches.

Lapis & Rin – LP 4000 → 2200

[Gem-Knight Ruby Lord: ATK 4400 → 2600]

Rin cursed. She should have expected an effect like that, but ended up walking right into her opponent's trap. It was more humiliating than she would have liked to admit. "Tch. I end my turn."

In contrast to Rin's frustration at the turn of events, Lapis was more confused than anything else. "Why did she activate her trap?" she wondered aloud. "If she hadn't used Zero Action, we would have taken more damage and Ruby Lord would have been destroyed… It would have made sense if she was doing it to protect her from losing her Link Monster, but if it has an effect like that, why use it so early?"

"It's probably because she knows about my Skill." Rin guessed.

The Knight of Hanoi nodded. "That's correct! The Gem Duelist, Rin Tohsaka. The Fourth-Ranked Duelist of VRAINS. We have quite a bit of data on you, including the nature of your Skill. It only activates when you take 2000 or more damage! I know better than to take unnecessary risks, especially given your Skill level. It's my Turn now! Draw!" Since Rin's turn had come and gone, the effect placed on Steelswarm Sentinel had reached its end. It managed to find a way to pull itself back on its feet and proceeded to glare at Ruby Lord, eyes glowing and dissipating the aura around Rin's monster. "Steelswarm negates the effects of all Special Summoned monsters that are Level 5 and higher. Thus, Ruby Lord and Obsidian's ATK is reduced to their original value."

[Gem-Knight Ruby Lord: ATK 2600 → 600 / DEF 3000 → 2000]
[Gem-Knight Obsidian: ATK 2500 → 1500 / DEF 2200 → 1200]

"I activate the Spell, Hacking Firewall! Until the end of my turn, you can't activate any Trap Cards! Then I Special Summon Jack Jumper!"

A cobalt-gray machine with glowing green orbs on its body appeared at the Knight of Hanoi's command, humanoid in form but with blades for arms and a glowing green eye in the middle of its face.

[Jack Jumper / DARK / Level 5 / Machine / Effect / ATK 2000 / DEF 0]

"Jack Jumper can be summoned from my hand if I control a Level 7 or higher DARK monster! Furthermore, when it's Normal or Special Summoned , it negates the effects of all face-up monsters on your field if they are Level 5 or higher!"

The blue-haired girl scowled. "On top of Hacking Backfire, now we have to deal with two monsters that negate our monsters' effects. She's taking every kind of precaution she can to make sure we can't do a comeback."

"Thanks to Hacking Virus, I draw a card. I set two cards face-down."

'Even though I've taken every possible precaution and locked down their ability to summon monsters and utilize their effects, there's still a possibility they will find a way to withstand this attack.' the Knight of Hanoi thought rationally, taking Alkaid's teachings to heart. 'Regardless, they cannot possibly survive this.'

"Battle!" she roared. "Steelswarm Hercules, destroy Hack Worm! Since Hack Worm is next to Cracking Dragonis' Lord's Link Marker, it cannot be destroyed by battle! That said, you'll still take damage from this attack! End this, Hercules! Inverz Crusher!"

The monstrous behemoth let out a shriek as it lunged for the miniature worm, a fist cocked to bring an end to it.

However-!

"Don't think so!" Lapis intervened, shocking the Knight of Hanoi. "I activate the Quick-Play Spell, Sky Turbulence!" Just as the fist was about to make contact, a wall of wind surrounded Hack Worm and defended it. Hercules found itself being forced back no matter how much force it put into its attack and was thrown back towards its master. "By destroying a card on my field, I can reduce the battle damage to zero! Also, you have to end the Battle Phase!"

The Knight of Hanoi gritted her teeth. "So, you managed to survive… Fine, I end my turn."

'Sheesh, that was close!' Lapis sighed in relief. 'This woman is insane! If we're not careful, forget about protecting my deck! I'll get creamed! I sure hope that Playmaker guy is having better luck than we are…'

---

Playmaker stared at the appearance of a new arrival as they shot straight past Alkaid and his subordinate and rode in between him and his enemy. He recognized her immediately as his classmate, or rather the appearance of the avatar they were using. Their presence was familiar to him, so he assumed the person behind the avatar was indeed Hakuno Zaizen, wearing a black short-sleeved top with a gray harness and skirt, complete with gloves and boots that came up to her calves.

The appearance of one of the most well-known duelists in VRAINS elicited mixed reactions from his enemy. The subordinates was shocked at first, but that faded quickly and was replaced by irritation and glee, no doubt because another user of Cyberse had appeared before them. The one called Alkaid, on the other hand, smiled and looked as though he was greeting an old friend.

Unlike the previous Knights of Hanoi Playmaker encountered, Alkaid didn't bother hiding his face behind a mask. His attire was also different; instead of the all-white ensemble with a coat and hood, he wore a faded blue trench coat over a white, much shorter coat and zip-up shirt and dress pants. His belt was lopsided, hanging to the right side, and wore knee-length boots.

The air surrounding him was different as well. Whereas the Knights of Hanoi were dangerous and were openly threatening towards anyone they deemed an enemy, especially anyone who used Cyberse cards, the apparent higher-ranking member held a more dignified stance. His eyes were focused and sharp, but not considering the two in front of him to be an enemy or possibly a threat.

"Ah, now there's a familiar face." Alkaid remarked with reminisce. "It has been a while, Hakuno Kishinami."

The brunette frowned. "You know me?"

"That I do, though as much as I would like to catch up, I will have to ask that you stand aside."

"But sir!" his subordinate objected. "She uses Cyberse as well! We should defeat her while we have the chance!"

Playmaker narrowed his eyes. "Try it, see what happens."

"Cocky son of a-!"

Alkaid smiled wryly. "Do forgive him, he just joined our ranks not too long ago. A bit hot-headed, but he does have potential."

"Dully noted." Hakuno replied flatly. "I have no idea why you're targeting Lapis or people who use Cyberse, but if you think I'm going to let you get away for trying to hurt my friend, you are sorely mistaken."

Playmaker frowned. Ideally, he didn't want to involve anyone in his fight against the Knights of Hanoi, but he knew he couldn't stop someone from trying to fight his enemy themselves, especially in circumstances such as this.

Alkaid, likewise, didn't seem too thrilled by the idea of fighting her. However, an idea soon came to his mind. "Far be it from me to deny you that, I suppose. However, what say you to a fair bit of sport? A two-on-two match."

Zaizen glanced back at him. He nodded and joined her side. Seeing this, Alkaid's smile grew. "Splendid. It seems this will be a fair match after all. Well then, shall we?"

All four present brandished their Duel Disks and screamed as one,

"DUEL!"

Hakuno & Playmaker – LP 4000
Alkaid & Knight of Hanoi – LP 4000

[HACKING DUEL FIELD.]

As soon as the duel began, the subordinate's Duel Disk beeped and began to alter the duel field. Playmaker noted that the format was similar to a Master Duel, but the information being displayed on his HUD told him that the rules were the same as a Speed Duel. Only one Main Phase and the authorized use of Skills.

"A Master Speed Duel…"

"I take the first turn!" Hakuno declared. "I summon Processlayer Nabla!"

A blue portal opened up at Hakuno's feet. Pixels flowed out from it and took on a physical shape, granting her monster a solid form. A mechanical warrior stood in front of her, clad in dark gray armor with golden trims and wielding a triangular-shaped spear in hand.

[Processlayer Nabla / DARK / Level 4 / Cyberse / Tuner / Effect / ATK 1000 / DEF 1500]

'So, this is her Cyberse.' Playmaker noted. 'This is my first time seeing it. The first Cyberse monsters that ever appeared in the reborn VRAINS…'

"I activate Processlayer Subtra's effect from my hand! I target a face-up monster on my field and reduce its ATK by 1000 until the end of the turn, then Special Summon Subtra! I reduce Nabla's ATK by 1000 and summon Subtra in Attack Position!"

Another mechanical warrior emerged, this one covered in reddish-brown armor and wielding a crimson katana, tattered cape blowing around its body.

[Processlayer Subtra / FIRE / Level 4 / Cyberse / Effect / ATK 1000 / DEF 1000]

[Processlayer Nabla: ATK 1000 → 0]

"When summoned through its effect, Subtra can't attack this turn. Also, I can't summon any monsters from my Extra Deck except Cyberse monsters. Since I have no monsters in the Extra Monster Zone, I can Special Summon Processlayer Sigma from my hand!"

A third machine joined the fray, this one colored in a mix of red and white armor with a large sword in its grasp.

[Processlayer Sigma / LIGHT / Level 4 / Cyberse / Tuner / Effect / ATK 1000 / DEF 1500]

"When Processlayer Sigma leaves the field, I have to banish him." Hakuno stated. "I activate Processlayer Nabla's effect! By tributing a Cyberse monster, I can Special Summon a Processlayer monster from my deck! I tribute Processlayer Subtra and summon Processlayer Multiplier!"

Nabla stabbed its spear into Subtra, its body promptly breaking apart into pixels. Following its destruction, a new monster appeared in its place; its lower body made entirely of what looked to be thrusters that kept it afloat while wielding two blades in each hand.

[Processlayer Multiplier / EARTH / Level 4 / Cyberse / Effect / ATK 500 / DEF 2000]

Hakuno raised her hand upward. "Emerge, the new circuit of possibility!" At her call, the circuit manifested below the "core" of the reborn VRAINS network. "The summoning condition is two Cyberse monsters! I set Processlayer Nabla and Sigma into the Link Markers! Link Summon!"

The aforementioned monsters leaped up and were swallowed by the circuit's cursors. Moments later, a new monster emerged and descended to the field. A machine warrior with cobalt-blue steel covering its thin frame, a heater shield with three X drawn on its surface in neon yellow. Its face also bore a neon yellow X in between its glowing green eyes.

"Link 2! Processlayer Fate Servant – Varion!"

[Processlayer Fate Servant – Varion / DARK / LA: Bottom Left, Bottom Right / Cyberse / Link / Effect / ATK 1000 / LINK-2]

"Next, I activate the Spell, Processlayer Equation! I summon a Processlayer monster in my Graveyard, and for the rest of the turn, it gains 1000 ATK! Return, Processlayer Subtra!" The katana-wielding monster returned and stood side-by-side with the rest of its fellow machines. "When a monster is summoned in a Main Monster Zone Varion points to, I add a Servant monster from my Graveyard or deck to my hand, then add a Spell Card that card lists from my deck! Afterwards, I can Special Summon a Level 4 or lower monster from my Graveyard!" Two cards popped out from her deck, allowing her to take them. "Return to me at once, Processlayer Sigma!"

Once more, the red-and-white machine returned to her side proudly.

"I activate Processlayer Multiplier's effect and target Subtra! For the rest of the turn, Subtra is treated as a Level 8 monster!"

Alkaid rubbed his chin in intrigue. "Level 8? And she has a Tuner as well… A Synchro Summon, perhaps?"

"Emerge, my moonlit circuit!"

Playmaker felt his mind suddenly go blank. An unusual presence began to fill the air and wash over him. An odd sensation reminiscent of melancholy and dread, all permeating from the circuit that hanged in the air.

"Arrowheads confirmed. The summoning condition is three or more Effect Monsters. I set the Link 2 Processlayer Fate Servant – Varion, Processlayer Multiplier and Sigma into the Link Markers! Circuit Combine!" The three monsters leaped into the air, becoming torrents of light that slammed straight into the cursors. In the case of Varion, it simply split into two lights and followed the same pattern as the others.

"Link Summon!"

The source behind the unusual feeling appeared as the circuit released a powerful "pulse." A man touched the digital ocean's surface gracefully, posture straight as an arrow with a metal gray bow held in one hand and a twisted arrow in the other. He was dressed all in black, a sleeveless shirt with a metal sheet right over the neck and black straps around his legs, skin dark with snow-white hair and brown eyes.

"O' nameless hero who stands atop the field of blades, walk forward until you create a bright future! Link 4! Servant Archer – EMIYA!"

[Servant Archer - EMIYA / DARK / LA: Top-Left, Top-Right, Bottom-Left, Bottom-Right / Servant / Link / Effect / ATK 2400 / LINK-4]

To Playmaker's shock, Archer proceeded to groan as he rolled his neck. "About time I got some exercise…" he mumbled, voice distinctly baritone. "I was starting to feel like the third wheel, what with all the attention you've been giving Saber lately."

"Sorry, Archer." Hakuno apologized sincerely. "You up for a rough fight?"

"Hmph. Aren't I always?"

'This is just like back then…' Playmaker recalled the last time he came across such a sight. A cold chill ran down his spine, the feeling of spikes and electricity running through his body while facing off against a cannibalistic clown. 'Is she like Run Ru? But, the feeling I get behind these two is different compared to them. This bond…it almost feels like…'

He glanced down at his own deck. For a brief moment, he could faintly hear the muffled metallic groan of his monsters.

"When Archer is Link Summoned, I add three random Equip Spells from my deck to my hand, but I cannot activate them this turn." Hakuno continued. "Then I activate the Ritual Spell, Celestial Contract of the Killing Stone!"

Alkaid's subordinate spluttered. "R-Ritual?! Not Synchro?!"

"I offer Processlayer Subtra as a sacrifice!"

An archaic circle formed below Hakuno's D-Board, surrounded and encircled by eight dark blue flames. Above her floated a stone slab that was slowly developing cracks, seemingly breaking apart as the summon went on. The flames surrounding the circle moved and consumed Subtra, who offered no resistance as its form became the foundation of a more powerful momster.

Once more, Playmaker felt another sensation wash over him. A feeling of unconditional love and joy, but underneath it, a sense of danger.

When Subtra was fully consumed and dispersed, the flames exploded alongside the stone. Emerging from this explosion of raw power was a new monster; a woman garbed in a deep blue kimono exposing an ample amount of cleavage and light-pink hair, two thin appendanges resembling the ears of a fox atop her head along with twin slender tails.

"The contract has been made. One of the nine fragments of the immortal blazing goddess, reduce our foes to ashes! Ritual Summon! Servant Caster – Tamamo-no-Mae!"

[Servant Caster – Tamamo-no-Mae / LIGHT / Level 8 / Servant / Ritual / Effect / ATK 2300 / DEF 2400]

Upon her arrival, the fox woman let out a cry of elation. "Aaah, fresh air! And a warm-up to boot! I was worried this day was going to end rather boorishly, but this works just fine! Now, then…" Her joyfull smile turned feral as she showed off her fangs. "Which one of you had the gall to try and hurt my darling sister-in-law?!"

Alkaid's subordinate recoiled while Alkaid smiled wryly. "I already knew about this beforehand, but to see it for myself… "

"When Caster is Ritual Summoned, all Special Summoned monsters on my field gain 500 ATK and DEF." Hakuno breathed a small sigh. "I end my turn here."

[Servant Archer: ATK 2400 → 2900]
[Servant Caster: ATK 2300 → 2800]

"Kuh…! To have brought out her aces, right off the bat!" Alkaid's subordinate cursed before resolving himself to try and at least break through her defenses. "My Turn! Draw! I activate my Skill: Double Draw! Instead of drawing one card, I draw two! I summon two Burst Wurms from my hand!"

Two worms emerged in front of the Knight of Hanoi, both made of metal with sharp spikes along their back and bore an "o"-shaped mouth lined with curved teeth.

[Burst Wurm / DARK / Level 3 / Machine / Effect / ATK 1300 / DEF 0]

"Bust Wurm can be summoned from my hand if I have no monsters in the Extra Monster Zone, and I can summon a second one if it's in my hand or Graveyard! I release both Burst Wurms and Tribute Summon Cracking Dragon!"

The worms both broke into pixels, reforming into a giant and familiar beast that Yusaku had faced before. Several Knights of Hanoi he dealt with in the past seemed to favor this card, and for good reason, given its ability to lower a monster's ATK and deal damage at the same time.

[Cracking Dragon / DARK / Level 8 / Machine / Effect / ATK 3000 / DEF 0]

Hakuno frowned. "I'm getting a bad feeling from that thing…"

"Be careful." Playmaker warned her in advance. "Cracking Dragon can lower a monster's ATK and deal damage equal to that loss if you summon at least one monster." Hakuno nodded and thanked him in advance, keeping this in mind when dealing with the oversized metal lizard in the future.

"I activate the Spell, Magnet Circle LV2! This Special Summons a Level 2 or lower Machine monster from my hand! I summon Phish Bait!"

A metal fish pushed its way out from the portal that opened, form resembling that of an angler fish with a green orb attached to the end of its antenna.

[Phish Bait / DARK / Level 2 / Machine / Effect / ATK 700 / DEF 0]

"When Phish Bait is Normal or Special Summoned, I can summon a Level 4 or lower Machine Monster in my Graveyard with its effects sealed! I summon Burst Wurm!" The metal worm returned to the man's side before he raised his arm high into the air. "Appear! Our future circuit! The summoning conditions are two DARK Machine Monsters! I set Burst Wurm and Phish Bait into the Link Markers! Link Summon!"

When the circuit appeared and the monsters became part of it, a new monster took their place. This one was new to Playmaker and treated it with caution. It was a dragon, only half the size of Cracking Dragon and possessing arms and legs. The key difference was that giant gauntlets floated above the dragon's arms, fingers covered in sharp spikes.

"Link 2! Punch Drake!"

[Punch Drake / DARK / LA: Bottom Left, Bottom Right/ Machine / Effect / ATK 2000 / LINK-2]

"When Punch Drake is successfully Link Summoned, I summon two Level 4 or lower Machine Monsters from my Graveyard with their effects negated! Return, Burst Wurm!" Once again, the metal worms re-appeared on his field. "When this effect is used, I can perform another Normal Summon! Then I activate Punch Drake's effect! I target a Machine Monster on my field, then add a monster with the same name as that monster to my hand!"

Archer clicked his tongue. "I get it. He's going to summon another Cracking Dragon."

"I target Cracking Dragon with Punch Drake's effect and add a second Cracking Dragon to my hand! Now, I release Punch Drake and summon Cracking Dragon!"

"What?!" Tamamo balked. "But Punch Drake is a Link Monster!"

Alkaid's subordinate smirked. "Punch Drake can be considered as two tributes when Tribute Summoning! Now, come to me! My new Cracking Dragon!" On cue, the large metal dragon appeared and resounded a powerful cry upon arrival, now standing in the place of Punch Drake. "Once more, appear! Our future circuit!"

Playmaker felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand-up on end. He could feel power surging through the air. "Something's coming!"

"Arrowheads confirmed! The summoning condition is three or more DARK Machine Monsters! I set my two Cracking Dragons and Burst Wurms into the Link Markers! Circuit Combine!"

The four monsters all surged toward the circuit as one, bodies becoming torrents of light that were soon absorbed into the circuit. Moments later, a monster emerged from the circuit and descended unto the field. It was at least twice the size of Cracking Dragon, gold rings surrounding its tail and neck while possessing three giant wings. Atop its narrow head were three spikes, maw open to reveal jagged black fangs.

"Appear, Link Summon! Link 4! Mass Deletion Dragon!"

[Mass Deletion Dragon / DARK / LA: Upper-Left, Upper-Right, Bottom, Left / Machine / Link / Effect / ATK 3500 / LINK-4]

"It's even stronger than Cracking Dragon…" Hakuno braced herself. "This is bad!"

"I set two cards face-down! Battle!" Alkaid's subordinate roared. "Mass Deletion Dragon! Destroy Archer! Virus Code Breath!"

Archer scoffed. "Don't think so! Master!"

"I activate Archer's effect!" Hakuno declared as the dragon homed in on its target and readied its attack. "When Archer is targeted for an attack, I can activate an Equip Spell from my hand and equip it to him! During the End Phase, that card is destroyed! I equip him with Caliburn!" Archer dismissed his arrow in favor of an ornate sword with a blue-and-gold hilt. "When Caliburn is activated, I add an Equip Spell from my deck to my hand and increase Archer's ATK by 1000!"

[Servant Archer: ATK 2900 → 3900]

Just as Mass Deletion Dragon let loose a blazing green fireball, Archer swung his sword and cut straight through the attack and struck the beast in retaliation. To both players' surprise, however, the monster was still present in spite of the difference in ATK power.

Knight of Hanoi – LP 4000 → 3600

Alkaid's subordinate scowled. "If Mass Deletion Dragon would be destroyed, I can banish a DARK monster in my Graveyard and negate its destruction. In this case, I banished one of my Burst Wurm! And don't think for a moment I'm finished yet! When a Level 8 Monster is used as a Link Material to summon Mass Deletion Dragon, it can declare another attack!"

"That explains why he chose to summon two Cracking Dragons." Playmaker realized. "Since he used them both, his monster can attack three times in a row. That means he has two more attacks left."

"Since I can't destroy Archer, I'll settle for hunting a fox instead! Mass Deletion Dragon, take out Caster!"

"I activate Caster's Effect!"

"What?!"

Tamamo grinned as she held up her hand, calling forth a familiar red sword that intercepted the incoming fireball and countered. The result was an explosion that sent out waves across the ocean and pushing all the duelists back a bit, shielding their faces from the resulting explosion. When the smoke cleared, Tamamo was unharmed Likewise, Hakuno and Playmaker were unscathed by the resulting explosion as well.

"How?!" Alkaid demanded. "Even if that card managed to negate the battle damage, she should have been destroyed!"

Tamamo let out a haughty laugh at his incredulous expression. "Ohohohohoh~ Unfortunately for you, my effect lets me activate a Spell in my husband's hand when I'm attacked."

"Hrunting only equips to Servant Monsters." Archer elaborated. "If the Servant would be destroyed in battle, it can be tributed to reduce any battle damage dealt to zero."

Hakuno smirked. "It also negates the destruction of that monster as well."

"Tch! I still have one more attack! Mass Deletion Dragon!" Once more, the dragon fired off another green blast. Unlike last time, Tamamo had no means to defend herself but was wholly unconcerned. The reason soon revealed itself as Archer quickly leaped in front of her, Caliburn glowing in hand before he swung his sword. The result was a golden arc meeting the blast head-on and creating another explosion. Unlike last time, Hakuno and Playmaker couldn't escape the blast.

Hakuno & Playmaker – LP 4000 → 3300

"Again?!" the Knight of Hanoi howled in frustration.

"Once per turn, even during my opponent's turn, I can tribute Caliburn and negate a monster's destruction until the end of the turn." Hakuno revealed.

Alkaid's subordinate scowled, growing more and more angry by the second. Playmaker smirked slightly. While he was certainly stronger than his predecessors, he also seemed quick to anger as well. He could see how this could be used against him in a head-on fight, but this wasn't one-on-one. This was a tag duel, and someone he believed to be a higher-ranking member was also present. There was no way he was going to allow for a slip-up.

"I'm all out of attacks…" Alkaid's subordinate gritted his teeth. "But at the very least, I can get rid of one of your monsters for a while! I activate Mass Deletion Dragon's effect! During the End Phase, I can banish a monster on your field! Delete Overlay!"

The gold bands surrounding the dragon's body began to spin as the orbs on its body glowed. In response to the build-up of power, Mass Deletion Dragon let out a distorted roar that shook the air. Archer winced as his body suddenly started to glitch out, rapidly losing cohesion until he was little more than a static-filled silhouette.

"Archer!" Hakuno cried out in concern.

"I end my turn!"

Playmaker narrowed his eyes and examined the field carefully as he drew the top card from his deck. "My Turn! Draw!"

'The biggest threat we have right now is Mass Deletion Dragon,' He analyzed. 'It can negate its destruction so long as they have DARK monsters in their Graveyard. He has three, which means unless he activates a card that sends even more monsters to his Graveyard, he can protect his monster three times. Archer is banished, and the only monster on our field is Caster.'

He glanced at the cards in his hands and the cards in Hakuno's possession. It wasn't ideal, but he could work with this.

He took a moment to calm his nerves, breathing in and out. There were three reasons to win this duel. First, to reclaim the past the Knights of Hanoi had taken from him. Second, to find the person who gave him the courage to survive that hell. And lastly, to save Kusanagi's brother.

With those reasons in mind, Playmaker looked forward and advanced.

"I summon Garbage Collector!"

A silver robotic being appeared in front of him, its main body resembling a trash can with tongs for arms.

[Garbage Collector / WIND / Level 2 / Cyberse / Effect / ATK 100 / DEF 1900]

"I activate the Spell, Cynet Mining! I send a card in my hand to the Graveyard, then add a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster to my hand! I send Flame Bufferlo to my Graveyard and add Reset Recycler to my hand. Then I activate the Equip Spell, Cynet Defrag! I target a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster in my Graveyard, then Special Summon it to the field with Cynet Defrag equipped to it! I equip Flame Bufferlo with Defrag and summon it!"

A black mechanical bull stomped its way forward, blue flames burning from its hinds, tail and pipes. The flames from the pipes on its head resembled horns.

[Flame Bufferlo / FIRE / Level 3 / Cyberse / Effect / ATK 1400 / DEF 200]

"When Cynet Defrag leaves the field, Flame Bufferlo is destroyed." Playmaker continued. "Next, I activate Garbage Collector's effect! Once per turn, if a Cyberse monster on my field other than Garbage Collector was in my deck when the duel began, I can return it to my hand, then Special Summon a Cyberse monster with a Level equal to the monster that is returned to my hand so long as its name is different! I return Flame Bufferlo to my hand and summon Restoration Caretaker!"

Garbage Collector snatched the bull by its neck, unceremoniously dumping it inside its body before closing the lid. It promptly shook and throbbed as though the bull was trying to escape before it opened the lid again, revealing not a bull but a white automaton with a red cross emblazoned on its chest, steel dreadlocks falling from its head and a blue visor on its helm.

[Restoration Caretaker / WIND / Level 3 / Cyberse / Effect / ATK 400 / DEF 600]

"When Flame Bufferlo leaves the field face-up, I send a Cyberse monster in my hand to the Graveyard. In exchange, I draw two cards." Playmaker removed a card from his hand and inserted it into the slot in his Duel Disk before taking two cards from the top of his deck. "When Reset Recycler is sent to the Graveyard from my hand, I can Special Summon it!"

Another metal trash bin appeared, this one dark gray in contrast to its silver companion. Its arms were also similar to pincers than tongs with pieces of dark material inside of its body.

[Reset Recycler / DARK / Level 1 / Cyberse / Effect / ATK 300 / DEF 0]

Playmaker took a moment to look at the field again. The gears were starting to turn. The formula for winning this duel was starting to take shape. The only question was whether he could make it into reality.

"Appear, the circuit that leads to the future! The summoning condition is two Cyberse monsters! I set Reset Recycler and Garbage Collector into the Link Markers! Link Summon!"

The two monsters joined the circuit, lighting up the cursors and bringing forth a new monster. A woman stood protectively in front of Yusaku and Hakuno, clad in white-and-black robes with a hood pulled over her head, scarlet hair spilling from underneath it. In hand was a silver staff with three black rods surrounding the soulful blue gem sitting in the center.

"Link 2! Cyberse Witch!"

[Cyberse Witch / DARK / LA: Bottom-Left, Bottom / Cyberse / Link / Effect / ATK 800 / LINK-2]

"Once per turn, when I control a Cyberse monster, I can summon Backup Secretary from my hand!"

Another female monster appeared, this one wearing a business attire of some kind with a cape and tablet in her hand, a black visor over her eyes.

[Backup Secretary / LIGHT / Level 3 / Cyberse / Effect / ATK 1200 / DEF 800]

"Cyberse Witch's effect! Once per turn, when a monster is Special Summoned to a Main Monster Zone next to its Link Arrow, I banish a Spell in my Graveyard, then add a Cyberse Ritual Monster and Cynet Ritual to my hand from my deck! I banish Cynet Mining and add Cynet Ritual and Cyberse Magician!"

Alkaid's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Oho?"

"If this effect was activated during the Main Phase, Cyberse Witch can also summon a Level 4 or lower Cyberse monster in my Graveyard. I summon Reset Recycler!" The gray metal trash can reappeared, though to everyone's confusion except Playmaker, the monster soon vanished back into the portal from which it came from. "Reset Recycler can only be summoned by its own effect. If summoned any other way, it's sent to the Graveyard."

Tamamo raised an eyebrow. "Then why would you even bother summon it to begin with?" she questioned. "Don't tell me you're one of those types who just want to make their turn as long as inhumanly possible?"

Playmaker ignored her, much to her annoyance, and continued with his turn. "I activate the Ritual Spell, Cynet Ritual! I tribute Cyberse monsters on my field and in my hand whose total Levels equal the Ritual Monster's own or exceed it!"

Another archaic circle formed underneath Playmaker, flames surrounding the ring. The spectral image of Flame Bufferlo accompanied Backup Secretary and Restoration Caretaker before they became swallowed in fire.

"The contract has been made. The sage who wields dark power inherits these two souls! Ritual Summon!"

A robed man with emerald-green hair emerged from the flames, staff in hand. His cloak was pure silver with bits of dark-blue armor along his shoulders and arms, a hood pulled over its head. Surrounding him was an aura of power.

"Level 7! Rise, Cyberse Magician!"

[Cyberse Magician / DARK / Level 7 / Cyberse / Ritual / Effect / ATK 2500 / DEF 2000]

"I equip Cyberse Magician with Grid Rod and Suspend Wand!" Two scepters appeared around Cyberse Magician, floating around its person and adding to its arsenal. "Grid Rod equips only to a Cyberse monster and raises its ATK by 300! Also, so long as its equipped, Cyberse Magician is unaffected by my opponent's card effects!"

[Cyberse Magician: ATK 2500 → 2800]

Playmaker narrowed his eyes. It was finally time to test and see if this strategy would work.

"Battle!" Playmaker declared. "I attack Mass Deletion Dragon with Cyberse Magician!"

Alkaid's subordinate laughed. "Have you gone crazy?! Mass Deletion Dragon's ATK is higher than your Cyberse Magician!"

"When Cyberse Magician battles a Link Monster, it gains 1000 ATK during Damage Calculation!"

"What?!"

Cyberse Magician developed a faint smirk as it leaped at the massive dragon, power rushing through its being while its scepter began to glow and served as a conduit for the rush of power.

[Cyberse Magician: ATK 2800 → 3800]

"Then I activate Suspend Wand's effect! Once per turn, when the equipped monster battles, it can't be destroyed by battle and can make a second attack for the rest of the turn! In return, I take double the battle damage!"

Cyberse Magician grew near Mass Deletion Dragon and aimed its scepter at the massive dragon. Quickly, the Knight of Hanoi intervened before he could lose his monster.

"I activate the Counter Trap, ATK Hack! When the ATK of a monster is changed due to a card effect, I choose a Machine Monster on my field whose ATK wasn't changed this turn! Not only does my monster gain ATK equal from that effect, but I can lower the ATK of a monster on your field by that same amount! Cyberse Magician gained 1000 ATK, so Mass Deletion Dragon gains 1000 ATK as well! Also, I lower Caster's ATK by 1000!"

[Mass Deletion Dragon: ATK 3500 → 4500]
[Servant Caster: ATK 2800 → 1800]

At that moment, Cyberse Magician let the power loose as a stream of green light. In response, Mass Deletion Dragon opened its maw and unleashed a fireball to meet the stream. "I also activate the second Counter Trap, Damage Hack! If either me or my opponent takes damage while there's a face-up Machine Monster on my field, I can either negate the damage and gain Life Points equal to the damage that was negated, or double it! I choose the second effect!" Alkaid's subordinate grinned sadistically as Mass Deletion Dragon's attack began to overpower Cyberse Magician's. "Now in addition to Suspend Wand's effect, the damage gets doubled again by Damage Hack!"

"Suspend Wand prevents Cyberse Magician from being destroyed." Playmaker replied calmly as the flames overwhelmed his monster's attack. Though the magician survived the experience, both he and Hakuno had to pull away from the flames lest they be severely burned. "Also, Cyberse Magician halves any damage I take."

Hakuno & Playmaker – LP 3300 → 1900

"Thanks to Suspend Wand, Cyberse Magician can make a second attack! I attack Mass Deletion Dragon again! Once more, Cyberse Magician's ATK is raised by 1000! I send Suspend Wand to the Graveyard to activate its effect! During Damage Calculation, I raise Cyberse Magician's ATK equal to the amount of damage I took from any battle involving Cyberse Magician until the end of your turn!"

The Knight of Hanoi paled. Alkaid smiled wryly. "I see, now. Either you successfully landed a hit and forced us to banish a monster from our Graveyard, or we turned the battle around during that first skirmish. Either way, you would have dealt damage regardless. Impressive."

"Go, Cyberse Magician! Dark Cyber Attack!"

[Cyberse Magician: ATK 2800 → 5200]

"I-I banish Cracking Dragon in my Graveyard and negate Mass Deletion Dragon's destruction!"

Tamamo developed a shark-like grin. "But you still take damaaaaage~" she said in a sing-song voice.

Cyberse Magician's attack connected and struck the dragon dead-on in the chest, though it still yet remained. The shockwave from the blast nearly threw Alkaid's subordinate off of his D-Board and would have been sent stumbling into the ocean, had Alkaid not moved in to support him.

Alkaid & Knight of Hanoi – LP 3600 → 2900

"T-thank you, sir."

"Eyes up, young man. Our battle is not over yet."

"I set a card face-down and end my turn." Playmaker finished his assault.

After he recovered, the Knight of Hanoi promptly paid Playmaker back in full. "I activate Mass Deletion Dragon's effect and banish Caster!"

"What?! Why you son of a-!" That was as far as she got before her body became a static silhouette. Despite the fact that she went silent, she still continued to rage and rant in silence, even stomping her foot on her invisible foothold.

Both Archer and Hakuno let out a sigh, the former in silence as he was still banished from the same effect that afflicted Tamamo.

"Is it my Turn now?" Alkaid finally took center stage as he drew a card from his deck. "Before we continue, I would like to ask you a question. Playmaker, was it? You've shown some excellent stratagem and skill thus far. With such capabilities, you would have surely made a career in becoming a Professional Duelist. Why did you choose the path of vengeance?"

Playmaker's eyes turned cold. "I have no reason to answer that."

Alkaid seemed disappointed by his response and sighed regretfully. The former had no intention of divulging his past or actions to this man, much less try and gain some kind of sympathy. All that mattered was that he defeated his enemy and acquired some sort of information from them. If his attire and the respect he elicited from his subordinate meant anything, that meant that Alkaid was high up on the chain of command.

Which meant he had to be close to the Knights of Hanoi's leader, or perhaps one of their top-ranking members. Regardless of his position, he was sure he could learn something.

"I had hoped that I would be able to hold a civil conversation, but it seems that won't be possible. Such a shame. But, very well. Let us begin. I shall start with the Spell, Link to Chaos. I banish a LIGHT or DARK attribute monster on the field, then add "Gateway to Chaos" to my hand. I choose to banish Cyberse Magician."

Hakuno immediately cried foul. "But Cyberse Magician is Playmaker's monster!"

"I never said it had to be one of my monsters, now did I?" Alkaid retorted kindly. In contrast to the Servants, Playmaker's monster was erased entirely in a burst of white-and-black lights. "Then, I activate the Field Spell, Gateway to Chaos."

A pulse emanated throughout the world of VRAINS. Without warning, white pillars began to rise up from the ocean depths, forcing the duelists and anyone nearby to evade them as they rode through the digital ocean's waves.

"When activated, Gateway to Chaos allows me to add either a Black Luster Soldier Ritual Monster or a Gaia The Fierce Knight monster from the deck to my hand."

Playmaker's eyes widened. 'Black Luster Soldier and Gaia…?' Among all the cards released throughout the many years, there were few as iconic, and as legendary, as the Black Luster Soldier archetype. It was, after all, one of the first Duel Monster cards ever released at the time of its conception. To hear that someone still used it, and that he would get to see it firsthand, was unexpected to say the least.

"I add a Gaia The Fierce Knight monster to my hand, then summon it to my field."

An armored warrior riding atop a purple armored horse appeared at Alkaid's side; the rider wielding two red javelins in either hand.

[Charging Gaia The Fierce Knight / LIGHT / Level 7 / Warrior / Effect / ATK 2300 → 1900 / DEF 2100]

"When Normal Summoned without using tributes, Charging Gaia's ATK becomes 1900. Then I activate the Ritual Spell, Super Soldier Ritual. By offering tributes whose total Levels equal 8 from my hand and field, I am able to Ritual Summon any Black Luster Soldier Ritual Monster. I offer the Charging Gaia The Fierce Knight on my field and the Super Soldier Soul in my hand as sacrifices for a most powerful warrior!"

A magic circle appeared in the air, encircled by eight dark-red flames. Alongside the riding monster was what looked to be an altar bearing an elaborate, if wicked looking suit of armor. The flames grew stronger and descended into the armor, as if granting it the power to move freely. Charging Gaia bowed its head as it lost its shape, becoming a body of flame that also flowed into the armor. Whereas the eight flames seemed to allow the armor to stand up, the flames from the monster developed into a physical form within.

"The contract of ancient power has been made. Rise forth with your warrior soul as your sword! Ritual Summon."

The flames dispersed. Standing menacingly before Hakuno and Playmaker was a gray-skinned man donning the wicked armor, a jagged and elaborate sword held in one hand and a shield in the other, red hair flowing from the back of the monster's helm. Its eyes glared at the two as if daring them to test their strength against it.

"Level 8. Black Luster Soldier – Super Soldier!"

[Black Luster Soldier – Super Soldier / EARTH / Level 8 / Warrior / Ritual / Effect / ATK 3000 / DEF 2500]

In spite of his personal feelings towards the Knights of Hanoi, Playmaker couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and amazement as he stared at the monster. This was but one of the few belonging to the Black Luster Soldier archetype, and still he felt it. Raw, unbridled power.

"Whenever a monster is sent to the Graveyard from either the hand or field, Gateway to Chaos receives a Counter. As Charging Gaia and Super Soldier Soul were both sent to the Graveyard after being used as Ritual Material, Gateway to Chaos gains two counters." Alkaid explained as a subtle shift occurred in the air in response to the sacrifice of his monsters.

[Gateway to Chaos Counters: 0 → 2]

"When Charging Gaia is tributed, I add a Black Luster Soldier monster from the deck to my hand. I then banish Super Soldier Soul and add Evening Twilight Knight from the deck to my hand." Two cards popped out from his deck, allowing Alkaid to take them both graciously. "Now, I use the Ritual Spell, Black Luster Ritual, and offer the Evening Twilight Knight and Envoy of Chaos in my hand as sacrifices for a greater power!"

In contrast to a magic circle, an altar bearing a jet-black shield with swords crossing over it appeared in front of Alkaid. On either side of it were two monsters, one a young man garbed in black-and-white armor and the other dressed in armor similarly to Super Soldier, albeit less elaborate and black in color, as well as smaller in size.

"The contract of olden times has been made. Rise forth and allow the evening twilight to be your guide! Ritual Summon!"

The monsters offered themselves as flames, engulfing the shield and swords before a new monster stepped out from the flames. A man dressed in black armor with gold highlights, the helm reminiscent to that of a dragon with horns on either side. In one hand was a curved sword, and in the other a shield bearing a skull with horns on its surface.

"Level 8. Behold, the Black Luster Soldier!"

[Black Luster Soldier / EARTH / Level 8 / Warrior / Ritual / 3000 / DEF 2500]

"There it is…" Playmaker swallowed. "The legendary monster itself…"

Hakuno frowned. "Two monsters with 3000 ATK… But at least this one is just a normal monster."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that, Hakuno Kishinami." Alkaid told her, much to her surprise. "While it is true that the Black Luster Soldier has no effects to aid him by himself, the same cannot be said for the souls who offer him power. Evening Twilight Knight offers its effects to any Black Luster Soldier Ritual Monster it was used as Material to summon. Furthermore, as two monsters have left the field for the Graveyard, Gateway to Chaos gains another two counters."

[Gateway to Chaos Counters: 2 → 4]

"I now activate Gateway to Chaos' effect. Once per turn, I remove three counters to add a Ritual Spell from the deck to my hand. I activate that card, the Ritual Spell, Super Soldier Genesis. Unlike most Ritual Spells, rather than offer a monster on the field or in my hand as a sacrifice, I instead shuffle one or more banished LIGHT or DARK attribute monsters I own back into the deck, so long as their total Levels equal 8. I return the banished Cracking Dragon to my subordinate's deck and begin the ritual."

Above, a swirling mass of light and shadow began to form. The spectral image of Cracking Dragon appeared and let out a roar before its body dissipated into particles of light that flowed into the circling mass. In response to the added power, an armored figure descended from the mass.

"The contract born of light and shadow has been made. Rise forth with an unyielding blade! Ritual Summon!"

The armored figure crashed atop the digital ocean's surface, blasting up water in the process. Its make was similar to that of Super Soldier, but it was much thicker and possessed a combat skirt, its pauldrons bearing three sharp spikes and a tower shield in its grasp. In hand was a great sword that sat atop its shoulder. Its visor shielded its eyes and like the Black Luster Soldier the helm bore two horns.

"Level 8. Black Luster Soldier – Superior Soldier!"

[Black Luster Soldier – Superior Solder / EARTH / Level 8 / Warrior / Ritual / Effect / ATK 3000 / DEF 2500]

"That makes three monsters with 3000 ATK…" Hakuno whimpered. "This is not good."

"Superior Soldier is treated not only as an EARTH attribute monster, but also a LIGHT attribute and DARK attribute monster." Alkaid continued uninterrupted. "I activate the effect of Superior Soldier. Up to twice per turn, I banish two monsters, one LIGHT attribute and DARK attribute, and raise Superior Soldier's ATK by 1500. I banish Charging Gaia The Fierce Knight, Burst Wurm, Cracking Dragon and Evening Twilight Soldier. With this, Superior Soldier's ATK becomes 6000."

A dark purple aura began to envelop the heavily armored soldier. Beneath the visor of its helm, both Hakuno and Playmaker could see glowing green eyes burning with intensity.

[Black Luster Solider – Superior Soldier: ATK 3000 → 6000]

"When Evening Twilight Knight is banished from the Graveyard, I add a Ritual Monster from the deck to my hand." As Alkaid accepted the card from his deck, he suddenly smiled and looked at Hakuno. "My preparations are complete. At last, our battle can truly begin in earnest." That made Playmaker worried. Did that mean all of this was just a warm-up? He had four powerful monsters, one of which possessed unknown effects, and he still was not done. His mind raced for the possibilities, but he couldn't discern what it was he had planned. "I hope you are prepared for what comes next. He has been dying for a rematch, after all."

"He?" Hakuno did not miss the way he spoke. Her face grew uncertain, as if also trying to think about what it was he was planning. Eventually, realization dawned on her as her eyes widened. "Don't tell me… Are you…?!"

Alkaid grinned. "Allow me to introduce myself to you properly. "Using the Level 8 Black Luster Soldier and the Black Luster Soldier – Super Soldier, I construct the Overlay Network!"

High up in the air, an X-shaped grid formed. In between each segment of the grid were four red lights, two of which began to brighten when the aforementioned monsters both broke down into pixels and were swallowed up the grid. The ends of the grid released a spark that converged into a single point, gathering energy before it promptly exploded.

Yusaku's left hand burned in irritation.

Emerging from the explosion of data and power was a new monster; a human male with fair skin and orange hair that covered one of his eyes. A green cloak hid most of his body, revealing only a green sleeveless tunic with dark green pants and boots. His right hand was covered by a glove coming up to the forearm. Attached to the glove was what appeared to be a crossbow, dark green with purple edgings and a bloody red arrow held in its strings.

"One of the many rogues of the lawless forest. Reveal yourself and shoot down the wicked! Xyz Summon! Rank 8! Servant Archer – Robin Hood!"

[Servant Archer – Robin Hood / WIND / Rank 8 / Servant / Xyz / Effect / ATK 0 / DEF 1500]

Playmaker stared at the monster in bewilderment as it, or rather he raised his head and greeted Hakuno with a lopsided grin. "Yo. Been a while, brownie."

"R-Robin Hood…?" Hakuno stammered. Her face was pale and eyes wide in disbelief. Recognition was clear in her eyes. She knew Alkaid. The person behind the avatar. "N-no way… You're-!"

Alkaid smiled as he put a hand to his chest and bowed. "Dan Blackmore. Master of the Archer-class Servant, Robin Hood. Former participant of the Moon Cell Holy Grail War. It's a pleasure to see you again, my old adversary."

TO BE CONTINUED

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Note: I decided to list the cards in order as they appear in the chapter, instead of by order of type.

Hacking Virus / Spell / Continuous / When you Special Summon a DARK Machine Monster from your hand or GY: Draw 1 card. Once per turn: Destroy this card and target 1 face-up monster your opponent controls; banish that monster.

Hack Wyrm / DARK / LA: Top, Bottom / Machine / Link / Effect / ATK 0 / LINK-2 / 2 Machine Monsters
On the turn this card is Link Summoned: Special Summon up to 2 Machine Monsters in your GY to Main Monster Zones this card points to. If this card would be destroyed by battle or by card effect: Add 1 "Steelswarm" card from your deck to your hand. If you control 3 or more DARK Monsters excluding this card: Special Summon "Cracking Dragon" from your deck in Defense Position with its effects negated and its ATK and DEF reduced to zero. You can only activate each effect of "Hack Wyrm" once per turn.

Hacking Backfire / Spell / Continuous / Target 1 face-up Machine Monster your opponent controls: While that card is on your opponent's field, they cannot Special Summon monsters from the Extra Deck. The target monster also cannot be destroyed by card effects, used as Material or tributed during your opponent's Main Phase.

Steelswarm Attraction / Spell / Normal / Special Summon up to 2 Level 4 or lower "Steelswarm" Monsters from your Deck in Defense Position, but banish them during your End Phase. (You can activate only 1 "Steelswarm Attraction" per turn.)

Steelswarm Locust Storm / Spell / Quick-Play / Target as many "Steelswarm" Monsters in your GY, equal to the number of DARK Monsters you control: Special Summon those monsters to your field. (You can activate only 1 "Steelswarm Locust Storm" per turn.)

Cracking Dragonis Lord / DARK / Top, Left, Right, Bottom / Cyberse / Link / Effect / ATK 3000 / LINK-4 / 2+ DARK Monsters, including "Cracking Dragon"
When this card is Link Summoned: Draw 1 card X the number of Link Materials used to summon this card. You can only use this effect of "Cracking Dragonis Lord" once per turn. Monsters this card points to cannot be destroyed by battle. Cannot be destroyed by monsters with a Level of 6 or lower or Link Monsters whose Link Rating is lower than this card. When an opponent's Level 7 or higher or Link 4 or higher monster attacks this card: You can activate this effect; Decrease the ATK of that monster by 300 X the number of DARK monsters in your GY, and if you do, inflict damage to your opponent equal to the ATK lost by this effect.

Gem Spectrum / Spell / Quick-Play / Special Summon as many Level 4 or lower "Gem-Knight" Monsters with different names from your hand or deck, equal to the number of monsters your opponent controls. (You can only activate 1 "Gem Spectrum" per turn.)

Gem-Knight Ruby Apprentice / FIRE / Level 6 / Spellcaster / Effect / ATK 2100 / DEF 1200 / When this card is Tribute Summoned: Unaffected by your opponent's card effects. Once per turn: Tribute 1 "Gem-Knight" Effect Monster you control and target 1 face-up card your opponent controls: Until the End Phase, that card's effects are negated. Once per turn: Special Summon 1 "Gem-Knight" Normal Monster in your hand to your field.

Gem-Knight Ruby Lord / FIRE / Level 7 / Warrior / Effect / ATK 2400 / DEF 2000 / Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must be Special Summoned from your hand by Tributing 3 "Gem-Knight" Monsters with different names and cannot be summoned any other ways. Gains 500 ATK for every "Gem-Knight" Normal Monster in your GY. Once per turn: Special Summon 1 "Gem-Knight" Effect Monster from your deck to your field in Defense Position. While this face is face-up on your field and you control no monsters in the Extra Monster Zone: All monsters you control gain 1000 ATK and DEF.

Zero Action / Trap / Counter / Activate only during your opponent's Battle Phase. Reduce all battle damage inflicted this turn to zero and negates the destruction all monsters on the field, once each.

Hacking Firewall / Spell / Normal / Once per turn: Negate the activation of your opponent's Trap Cards until your End Phase.

Jack Jumper / DARK / Level 5 / Machine / Effect / ATK 2000 / DEF 0 / You can Special Summon this card (from your hand) if you control a Level 7 or higher DARK monster. When this card is Normal or Special Summoned: Negate the effects of monsters your opponent controls that are Level 5 or higher and were Special Summoned. You can only use each effect of "Jack Jumper" once per turn.

Sky Turbulance / Spell / Quick-Play / Destroy 1 card on your field and reduce any battle damage you would take to zero. After this effect resolves, your opponent must end their Battle Phase.

Processlayer Fate Servant - Varion / DARK / LA: Bottom-Left, Bottom-Right / Cyberse / Link / Effect / ATK 1000 / LINK-2 / 2 Cyberse Monsters
During the turn this card is Link Summoned, you can Special Summon Servant Monsters, ignoring the effects of "Processlayer" cards. If a monster is summoned to a zone this card points to: You can add 1 Servant Monster from your deck or GY to your hand, and if you do, you can add 1 Spell/Trap Card listed in that card's text from your deck to your hand, also, you can Special Summon 1 Level 4 Monster from your GY. You can only each this effect of "Processlayer Fate Servant - Varion" once per turn.

Processlayer Equation / Spell / Normal / Target 1 "Processlayer" monster in your GY; Special Summon it, and if you do, it gains 1000 ATK until the end of this turn. You can only activate 1 "Processlayer Equation" per turn.

Servant Archer - EMIYA / DARK / LA: Top-Left, Top-Right, Bottom-Left, Bottom-Right / Servant / Link / Effect / ATK 2400 / LINK-4 / 3+ Effect Monsters
When this card is Link Summoned: You can add 3 random Equip Spells from your deck to your hand, but you cannot activate those cards this turn. If this card is targeted for an attack: Equip 1 Equip Spell from your hand to this card, but destroy it during your opponent's End Phase. You can tribute 1 Monster this card points to and target 1 card on your opponent's field: Destroy that card. You can only activate each effect of "Servant Archer - EMIYA" once per turn.

Celestial Contract of the Killing Stone / Spell / Ritual / This card is used to Ritual Summon "Servant Caster - Tamamo-no-Mae". You must also tribute Special Summoned monsters from your field whose total Levels equal 8. If "Servant Caster - Tamamo-no-Mae" is sent to the GY by card effect and this card is in the GY: Banish this card and Special Summon that monster in Defense Position in a Main Monster Zone a Link Monster you control points to. You can only use this effect of "Celestial Contract of the Killing Stone" once per turn.

Servant Caster - Tamamo / LIGHT / Level 8 / Servant / Ritual / Effect / ATK 2300 / DEF 2400 / You can Ritual Summon this card with "Celestial Contract of the Killing Stone." When this card is Ritual Summoned: All Special Summoned monsters you control gain 500 ATK/DEF. While this card is Linked to a Link Monster whose Link Rating is equal to the Link Monster with the highest Link Rating, regardless of controller; this card cannot be destroyed by card effect. Once per turn, during your opponent's turn: You can activate 1 Spell Card from your hand.

Burst Wurm / DARK / Level 3 / Machine / Effect / ATK 1300 / DEF 0 / If you control no monsters in the Extra Monster Zone: You can Special Summon this card (from your hand) and 1 other "Burst Wurm" (from your hand or GY). You can only use this effect of "Burst Wurm" once per turn.

Phish Bait / DARK / Level 2 / Machine / Effect / ATK 700 / DEF 0 / If this card is Normal or Special Summoned: You can target 1 Level 4 or lower Machine Monster in your GY; Special Summon it with its effects negated. You can only use this effect of "Phish Bait" once per turn.

Punch Drake / DARK / LA: Bottom-Left, Bottom-Right/ Machine / Effect / ATK 2000 / LINK-2 / 2 DARK Machine Monsters
When this card is Link Summoned Successfully: You can target up to 2 Level 4 or lower Machine Monsters in your GY; Special Summon those cards with their effects negated, also, you can conduct 1 additional Normal Summon this turn. You can target 1 Machine Monster you control: Add 1 Monster from your deck to your hand with the same name as that target. This card can be treated as 2 Tributes for a Tribute Summon. You can only use each effect of "Punch Drake" once per turn.

Mass Deletion Dragon / DARK / Links: Upper Left, Upper Right, Bottom, Left / Machine / Link / Effect / ATK 3500 / Link – 4 / 3+ DARK Machine Monsters
This card can make 1 additional attack per Battle Phase for each Level 8 Monster used as a Material for its Link Summon. If this card destroys a monster by battle: Inflict damage to your opponent equal to the ATK of that monster in the GY. If this card would be destroyed, you can banish 1 DARK Machine monster from your GY instead. During each End Phase: You can banish 1 monster your opponent controls, and if you do and it was linked to this card, inflict 1000 damage to your opponent's LP.

Hrunting / Spell / Equip / Equip only to a Servant Monster. If the equipped monster successfully destroyed a monster your opponent controls: That monster can declare an additional attack. If the equipped monster battles a Monster in Defense Position, it deals piercing damage. If the equipped monster would be destroyed by battle: You can destroy this card instead, and if you do, reduce any damage you would have taken to zero and negate the equipped monster's destruction.

Restoration Caretaker / WIND / Level 3 / ATK 400 / DEF 600 / ?

Reset Recycler / DARK / Level 1 / Cyberse / Effect / ATK 300 / DEF 0 / If this card is sent from the hand to the GY: You can Special Summon this card. If this card is Special Summoned other than with this effect, send it to the GY. ?

ATK Hack / Trap / Counter / If the ATK of a monster changes due to a card effect: You can target 1 Machine monster you control whose ATK was not changed this turn: That monster gains ATK equal to the total change in ATK due to that card effect, also, you can target 1 monster your opponent controls: That target loses ATK equal to the ATK your monster gained with this effect.

Damage Hack / Trap / Counter / Activate only if you or your opponent would take damage while you control a face-up Machine Monster: Activate 1 of the following effects.
• Negate the Damage, and if you do, gain LP equal to the amount of damage negated.
• Double the damage.

Link to Chaos / Spell / Normal / Banish 1 LIGHT or DARK Link Monster on the field; Add 1 "Gateway to Chaos" from your deck or GY to your hand.

Super Soldier Genesis / Spell / Ritual / Ritual Summon 1 "Black Luster Soldier" monster from your deck by shuffling 1 or more of your banished LIGHT and/or DARK monsters into the deck whose total Levels equal exactly 8. If a monster on the field is banished: You can banish this card from your GY to target 1 of your banished LIGHT monsters and 1 of your banished DARK monsters; Return those targets to the GY. You can only use each effect of "Super Soldier Genesis" once per turn.

Black Luster Soldier – Superior Soldier / EARTH / Level 8 / Warrior / Ritual / Effect / ATK 3000 / DEF 2500 / You can Ritual Summon this card with "Super Soldier Ritual". This card's Attribute is also Treated as LIGHT and DARK while on the field or in the GY. Up to twice per turn (Quick Effect): You can banish 1 LIGHT and 1 DARK monster from your GY; Increase the ATK of this card by 1500 until the end of this turn. If this card is sent to the GY or banished from the GY: You can send 1 LIGHT or DARK monster from your deck to the GY. You can only use this effect of "Black Luster Soldier – Superior Soldier" once per turn.

Servant Archer - Robin Hood / WIND / Rank 8 / Servant / Xyz / Effect / ATK 0 / DEF 1500 / 2+ Level 8 Monsters
When this card is Xyz Summoned: Add 1 "Yew Bow" from your deck or GY to your hand. Cannot be targeted for attacks but does not prevent your opponent from attacking directly. If this card battles a Monster: You can detach 1 Material; Destroy that monster at the start of the Damage Step, and if you do, inflict 500 damage to your opponent. If your opponent Special Summons a monster from their hand, GY or Extra Deck: You can detach 1 Material; Destroy that monster, and if you do, inflict 300 damage to your opponent. If your opponent activates a Spell/Trap Card: You can discard 1 card; Negate that card's activation, and if you do, destroy it and inflict 100 damage to your opponent. If this card is equipped with "Yew Bow," all effect damage dealt by this card is doubled. Each effect of this card can only be used once per turn.

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NEXT TIME

When they last met, it was during the game of survival.

When they meet again, it is during a bittersweet confrontation.

It is a violent reunion, but is it one full of malice?

Once again, fates have begun to collide…

"Is this man really part of the Knights of Hanoi?"

TURN-03: The Man and The Archer

Into the VRAINS! ! !

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AUTHOR'S NOTE: Special thanks go to Donjusticia for his help in card creation, beta and editing. He is also responsible for the Playmaker/Hakuno VS Alkaid/Hanoi duel, so please be sure to thank him.

Glad to see everyone is enjoying the sequel so far. I just hope it lives up to its predecessor. I do have big plans for this series, you know.

Regarding the change involving Archer, the reason why he has his Ascension 2 appearance from Fate/Grand Order and is named EMIYA instead of just "Nameless," this is due to Hakuno's actions in the finale of Fate/VRAINS. Her altering his Saint Graph when performing Over-Link Summon for Moon Crux - Shirou Emiya, more or less overwrote Archer to a certain extent. He's still the same Servant she fought with in the Holy Grail War, but as far as personality and action-wise goes, I'd say he is "midway" through the process of becoming the Second Magus Killer.

Now, for Dimension Summon. I actually got this idea while watching the Yu-Gi-Oh! Dark Side of the Dimensions movie, though I tweaked it to fit the story. Dimension Summon can only be used in "official duels." In other words, in duels sponsored by companies, tournament matches, etc. That said, someone can also hack it into a match. As for how it works, players can summon monsters from their hand by using Spirit Charges.

This summon allows them to bypass certain rules, such as a monster requiring tributes or summoned via card effect to get out on the field. For example, if you Dimension Summon one of the Egyptian God Cards, it's perfectly legal. Players earn Spirit Charges by taking damage. 500 damage earns you 1 Spirit Charge, 1000 2 charges, and 1500 a full charge. Only one charge is needed to summon a monster, though you can use more than one. One Charge earns that monster 1000 ATK, 2 charges 2000 and a full charge 3000. Players can also use a Spirit Charge to return that Dimension Summon monster back to their hand if it looks like things are getting dangerous.

On the other hand, Dimension Summon itself is a pretty risky move. In addition to any battle damage you would take from the Dimension Summon monster being destroyed, players also take a certain amount of damage depending on how many Spirit Charges were used. If 1 charge was used, the player takes 1000. If two charges, 1500. A full charge warrants 2000 damage.

Anyway, that is the full explanation for Dimension Summon's mechanics! I hope everyone is doing okay, what with all the crap that has been happening lately. Please remember to stay safe, look after your loved ones and practice social distancing. Take care of yourselves.

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REVIEW:

Daemon of Wrath: Yusaku's Link Sense, as well as characters who already possess it, have been upgraded to a certain extent. In canon, Yusaku could sense Revolver approaching his location when he and Shoichi were analyzing Ai. Here, he can actually feel certain "disturbances" in the SERAPH VRAINS.

Daemon of Crawling Tentacles: Hakuno will receive more screentime. The first few chapters are to showcase what you can expect from Laplace, and what kind of role Yusaku has. I really more or less shoved him onto the shelf when we got to the CCC Arc, and I am not doing that again. For all intents and purposes, the Zaizen sisters and Yusaku are our main leads for Laplace. Regarding hew new Avatar, it is based off of the Lostbelt Mystic Code worn by Guda(k)o from Grand Order. Her avatar is simply "Hakuno" this time around.

achen5041: No, she will not. She's just a normal everyday girl (coughbullshitcough) who will lose some duels here and there, vastly less so than in the first entry, but she isn't a "savior."

Taken Kings: I'm glad you are enjoying it! I hope you stick around until the end.

D. : I can tell you Yusaku will receive a Servant. As for which, I can't say.

Guest #1: Lunamon will only make her debut in this fanfic series when Digital Vrains finally gets around to its duel. Not a moment sooner.

jmcdavid: Indeed. Dimension Summon is pretty risky, but if you play your cards right, it can become incredibly useful. And yeah, the Knights of Hanoi really managed to kick the proverbial beehive.